Tuesday, 9 March 2010

Review & Giveaway Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Although she's a witch, Sophie has grown up in the normal world, with her unmagical mother. She's never met her father, whose the head of the Council of Prodigium (witches, warlocks, shapeshifters and fairies). After another of her, "helpful" spells, goes wrong, she is sent to Hex Hall. Reform school for witches. `So the reader, gets to learn about this new world, with Sophie.

I know it sounds like you've read it before, but trust me you haven't. Hex Hall has more than enough, originality and charm, to stand alone. The world, Rachel Hawkins creates, feels very real and unique. The plot zips along, and I was still reading, way past bedtime (the highest praise from a sleep deprived mum).

Sophie is a fabulous narrator, and I loved her, from page one. Her fresh, funny, sarcastic voice is a pleasure to read. Here's a taste.

"Cross!" I called. I just couldn't bring myself to say "Archer" out loud. I'd have felt like I was in an episode of "Masterpiece Theatre":"Archer! Let us fetch a spot of tea, old boy!"

Which bring us nicely to Archer Cross. Now usually I'm a fan of the ordinary, nice boy. I make exceptions though. Archer, is one of them. Good looking, sarcastic, and with a definite bad boy vibe. I predict many people will join me, and Sophie, in falling for him.

I can't wait for Hex Hall Two. Book One ends, on something of a cliff hanger. After a series of twists, that I never saw coming, despite a rather fabulous piece of foreshadowing.

Hex Hall is one to bump to the top of your book stack.

ARC received from the publisher.

GIVEAWAY
If you'd like to win a copy, of Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, and one of these rather fabulous t-shirts.

Just leave a comment here, telling me What spell you would cast if you were a witch.

21 comments:

Fun contest; thanks! I would cast a spell that got rid of poverty worldwide so that children could afford health care, education, and more. Sounds cheesy, but I truly believe that poverty is the root cause of most of our problems.

I've really been looking forward to reading this one as well. If I were a witch I'd cast a spell to be able to remember everything people tell me. I get into a lot of trouble due to my forgetfulness sometimes...

I would cast a spell that would whisk you magically from DC to my book release party and home again without Will even knowing you'd gone. And you better enter me, even if I am a Canadian or you don't get a Christmas card this year. Wait, I don't send Christmas cards...well, birthday then. When is your birthday again?

Oh, that book looks good. What a fun contest. Thinking back to my favorite Charmed episodes, hmm...I would cast a spell that allowed me to travel anywhere anytime. I could whiz home to my family for the day (or to London!), and be back here for dinner. ;)

I so can't wait to read this book! Um, any spell, huh? I'd have to say, I would wish for a really cool old house, complete with secret passage ways and hidden rooms. And maybe a friendly ghost or two. ;)

If I had magic I'd rid the human world of anger and fighting. I hate wars, and it's pointless for so many people to die. Or, if that wasn't allowed, I'd magic myself up a photographic memory!Brilliant review!